Susan J. Gardiner (1946-2026) 

Susan Jorgensen Gardiner of Coon Rapids, formerly of Upland, CA, died January 14, 2026 at home. Susan was born on February 17, 1946 to Ernest L and Mildred (Nelson) Jorgensen, the second of four daughters. Susan graduated from Anoka High School in 1964 and graduated with a BS in Elementary Ed and Special Ed from St. Cloud State in June 1968. She was recruited by the Pomona, CA school district and taught pre- kindergarten Special Ed there for 39 years. During that time she also earned a Masters of Education Administration degree. 

In California Susan met and married Derrick Gardiner, and together they raised two of Derrick’s four sons and their grandson Owen. Susan loved to visit Disneyland with her family and developed a passion for Mickey Mouse. She thoroughly enjoyed both collecting Mickey Mouse memorabilia and accumulating Mickey Mouse gifts from friends and family. 

Following her retirement in 2007, Susan returned to Minnesota and settled in Coon Rapids where she made many new friends, reconnected with old friends, and rejoined her home congregation, Zion Lutheran in Anoka. During her retirement years, Susan enjoyed traveling extensively and attending local concerts and events with friends. The past few months Susan was lovingly cared for by a team of hospice nurses and health care workers who allowed her to spend her final days at home.

 Susan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Derrick, her daughter Jennifer, her stepsons Jeffery and Colin, and her elder sister Julia and husband Bret DeGeer. She is survived by stepsons Rick and Kurt, grandson Owen and 10 other grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, sisters Karen (Sherman) Schueler, Lois (Al) Cleland, 6 nieces and nephews, 11 great nieces and nephews, and 2 great-great nieces and nephews.

 A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 24th at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka at 11am with visitation one hour before at the church.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Zion Lutheran Church Foundation or to ACBC Food Shelf.